PALS PULL ON BOOTS IN MEMORY OF ALEX
Football fans to honour tragic teenager
Friends of tragic East Kilbride teenager Alex Lindsay are to hold a charity football tournament in his memory, marking what would have been his 19th birthday.
The popular St Leonards teen will be remembered during the seven-a-side event at K-Park this Sunday – three days after his birthday – which aims to raise awareness of mental ill-health.
Alex, an apprentice mechanic, former pupil of Calderglen High and avid Motherwell FC supporter, died in his St Leonards home on July 8 last year.
He was described by his heartbroken family as the “most beautiful, handsome boy”. A minute’s applause was
held at Fir Park for the dedicated member of fan group Motherwell Bois in the 18th minute of ’Well’s League Cup match with Edinburgh City on July 17 and banners were held aloft in his honour.
An online fund started by the fans raised over £7000 which was donated to a charity chosen by his parents Robbie and Jill.
The Alex Lindsay Cup is set to be an annual celebration of his life organised by close friends Jack Smith, 19, from St Leonards and 21-year-old Stewartfield man Joe McDermott.
More than 120 players have signed up to take part in the knockout tournament, including Alex’s dad Robbie, who will pull his boots on for five minutes in the first match in honour of his beloved son. Robbie, 47, said: “We are once again overwhelmed by the generosity of so many, not least, Alex’s friends for arranging this tournament in his honour. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to those who have donated prizes and to those who will lend their support by attending the event on the day.”
As well as marking Alex’s birthday and passing, the lads are aiming to raise hundreds of pounds for Beautiful Inside and Out (BIO).
The charity was set up by Pauline Moriarty following the death of her daughter Jenna, who took her own life, and serves to offer support for those affected by suicide, especially youngsters.
Said Joe: “We wanted to set this up in Alex’s name because football was such a big part of his life. We miss him every day. There’s not a day that goes by that we don’t think of him.
“It seemed fitting to make this a yearly event where a good team of boys can have a kickabout in his name. He knew so many people and every player had their own personal relationship with him – they all jumped at the chance to take part.”
Jack added: “This is in memory of our good friend Alex who, like his favourite Stone Roses song, was adored.”
Each player will pay a donation of £10 and entry is £5 at the gate with all proceeds donated to BIO.
There will be a function in Barocco bar in the Village afterwards for all players taking part. Kick-off is 3pm with the trophy presentation taking place at 6pm.